Embracing the Laid-Back Coastal Retirement Lifestyle
Edisto Island has an independent feel to it. Living on the island is a bit like seceding from the rest of the world. It’s not for everybody. But for those who seek an easygoing, secluded coastal retirement lifestyle, there is no better place.
Edisto Island is not and will never be a resort island, and that’s fine with the residents of this working island community. There will be no high-rise condominiums or hotel developments, chain restaurants or strip malls. It does have charming local architecture, mom-and-pop businesses and a friendly, laid-back lifestyle where everything moves just a little bit slower than elsewhere. The outside world is nothing more than background noise that can barely be heard over the sound of the Atlantic Ocean.
A nature lover’s paradise, deer, herons and other wildlife are as common on the island as cars, and when you are down by the water, keep an eye out for dolphins.
Beyond its natural beauty, Edisto Island stands out as an exceptional retirement destination because of how easily it pairs relaxation with an active lifestyle. Golfers can spend their mornings on the fairways at the Plantation Course at Edisto, a scenic course that winds beautifully through the island’s landscape. If you prefer exploring on foot or by bike, Edisto Beach State Park features miles of shaded walking and biking trails that cut through the maritime forest and lead straight to the salt marsh. The local culture is equally rich, boasting a thriving coastal art scene and excellent dining options that showcase fresh-caught seafood. Whether you are spending the afternoon browsing local galleries or fishing in the rich surrounding waters, there is always a low-stress activity to fill your days.
The Real Estate and Community Vibe on Edisto Island
“I love the peace and beauty that living on Edisto affords my family,” said Jane Szorc, realtor with Carolina One Real Estate, Kapp Lyons Group, who moved to Edisto full-time in 2017. “I particularly enjoy walking the famous Boneyard Beach at Botany Bay Plantation and kayaking and fishing in the creeks that surround our beautiful island. It’s so nice to see the deer feed and the dolphins jump while enjoying another gorgeous sunset from my back porch. Edisto is special. The people are friendly, probably because they are so proud and happy to call this place home.”
While the island is secluded – the town of Edisto is 45 miles from Charleston – there is still plenty to do. Edisto offers some of the best local cuisine in the area, and there are two marinas and three boat landings to accommodate the many boat owners on the island. The island also is home to a state-operated beach with a historic lighthouse and more than 4 miles of white sand beach. In the spring and fall, when the temperatures are most pleasant, the tight-knit community organizes numerous events, including art shows and home tours, giving residents a chance to explore the island and get better acquainted with their neighbors.
From Second-Home Investment to Full-Time Residency
“Buying here seemed like such a wise investment option, so we purchased our first home in 2015,” said Szorc. “The short-term rental income could offset some of the expenses of buying a second home, allowing us to enjoy the property when it wasn’t rented. We noticed ourselves pushing back our Sunday afternoon departure time to Monday morning, which resulted in us being only slightly late for work and school.”
In 2017, after their son graduated, Szorc and her husband decided to make Edisto their full-time residence. She found a home on her favorite part of the beach that had an original structure built in the 1950s and several additions. “We stripped the house to the studs, converting it from a four-bedroom rental home to a three-bedroom full-time residence, complete with HardiePlank siding and oak flooring throughout,” she said. “My husband calls it ‘our Mayberry by the Sea.’”
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